Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of centrally acting agents and receptor modulators. Its structure allows for selective modifications, making it valuable in creating compounds with neurological activity, including potential antipsychotics and antidepressants. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for building complex molecules due to the presence of both a carboxylic acid and a protected amine group, enabling peptide-like coupling and ring formation strategies.